Hidden Valley Ashram is a Self-Realization Fellowship monastic community in Southern California where SRF monks live year-round, following the balanced life of meditation and spiritual service that Paramahansa Yogananda outlined for his monastic disciples.
For over four decades it has been our blessed privilege to offer thousands of SRF devotees and friends from all over the world an opportunity to step away from worldly concerns and pressures, and enjoy a restorative stay at Hidden Valley, in a spiritual environment conducive to overall well-being of body, mind, and soul.
Guests are invited to join the daily group meditations and weekly classes offered and partake of the regular meals served in the dining room/refectory. They are then free to use their time in ways they think will be most appropriate to achieving the goals they have set for their stay with us.
Whether you may feel a need for rest and relaxation, or to find inspiration and a new enthusiasm for the spiritual path, you are welcome as a guest at the Hidden Valley Ashram. We will be happy to have you with us, and will endeavor to make your stay enjoyable and spiritually uplifting.
The weekly spiritual schedule includes morning and evening group meditations with the monks, preceded by group practice of the SRF Energization Exercises.
Morning and evening one-hour group meditations with the monks, preceded by group practice of the SRF Energization Exercises. The group meditations are held in our main chapel. There are also two secondary chapels available for private meditation in our meditation gardens. Upon request, one of the monks will be available for one-on-one counseling on the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda.
A few of the week's special gatherings. Guests also follow a full daily rhythm of meditation, study, service, and recreation — view or download the complete schedule below.
Three-hour group meditation in the Main Chapel.
7:00 – 10:00 AMWeekly satsanga class.
12:15 PMGroup study class in the Fellowship Hall.
6:00 PMThree-hour group meditation with periodic chanting.
8:00 – 11:00 AM
Guests are accommodated in spacious single occupancy, climate-controlled rooms with a private bathroom. Three vegetarian meals are served daily in our dining room; the cuisine is international, with a variety of menus served throughout the week. Meals are taken in silence.
Nestled among rolling hills of native oak and sycamore, Hidden Valley is home to scenic paths and expansive vistas across fifty acres of forest; as well as spacious meditation gardens; and a number of recreational areas, such as an outdoor swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, a basketball/pickleball court, and a ping-pong/dart room.
The guest library has a full selection of SRF publications including all of Paramahansa Yogananda's books and also a selection of other inspirational literature.
Male students and friends of Self-Realization Fellowship are welcome to stay with us for up to two weeks.
To make a reservation, please click the Request a Reservation button below. You will be directed to submit your email address. For security purposes we will then send you a One Time Password (OTP) via email, which you can use to continue the registration process. (If you do not receive the One Time Password in your email inbox, please check your junk mail folder.)
Request a ReservationYou can request an ARRIVAL date on the same date as the CLOSED UNTIL date.
| Closed From | Closed Until | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 15, 2026 | Jun 22, 2026 | Monastic Retreat |
| Jul 4, 2026 | Jul 6, 2026 | Holiday |
| Aug 10, 2026 | Aug 17, 2026 | Convocation |
| Nov 23, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | Thanksgiving |
| Dec 20, 2026 | Jan 3, 2027 | Christmas / New Year |
Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and swim trunks. Shorts are acceptable for work, meals, and recreation (but please no cut-offs). Full-length pants should be worn to all chapel and Fellowship Hall activities, such as meditations and classes. No tank tops, please.
Warm jacket, sweatshirt, rain gear. (Umbrellas are provided in each guest room.)
This is a schedule of the normal day-to-day activities that guests are welcome to participate in while staying at Hidden Valley Ashram.
View Full Schedule →Hidden Valley Ashram is located in San Diego County in the hills above the city of Escondido, California. Guests coming directly to Hidden Valley will find it most convenient to use the San Diego Airport as their final flight destination.
The weather at Hidden Valley Ashram can vary significantly day to day. It is not unusual to have daytime temperatures in the high 80s and early morning temperatures in the 40s, so please pack a variety of garments regardless of the season.
Our Guest Program is sustained by your donations, which help defray the cost of meals, lodging, utilities, maintenance, orchard and garden upkeep, and other site improvements. The suggested donation is $150/day, but please take to heart that Hidden Valley is open to all, and we very much appreciate whatever amount you are able to contribute financially.
You may make your donation using the Payment button located in the Check Out Email that will be sent to you at the end of your stay. We can then associate your contribution with your reservation. Thank you for your help!
In addition to making a donation after attending our guest program, our friends can also support us by giving to either of the following funds:
Your gift will help us meet the day-to-day and highest priority general operating needs of the Hidden Valley Ashram.
Give to General FundYour gift will help support the care of our Hidden Valley Ashram property, including maintaining the facilities and grounds; acquiring and maintaining equipment, furniture, and vehicles; and covering costs associated with related capital campaigns.
Give to Building Fund
